'Simpsons' studio says show cannot continue without cutting costs

The producers of The Simpsons and the voice actors are currently at an impasse in negotiations for a new deal that would allow for new episodes of the animated Fox comedy beyond the current season. 20th Century Fox Television, the studio that produces the series — which, in its 23rd season, is the longest running prime-time comedy in TV history — has asked the voice actors to take a 45-percent pay cut to renew their contracts for additional seasons, according to the Daily Beast. Fox isn’t commenting, but 20th Century Fox TV released the following statement today:

“23 seasons in, The Simpsons is as creatively vibrant as ever and beloved by millions around the world. We believe this brilliant series can and should continue, but we cannot produce future seasons under its current financial model. We are hopeful that we can reach an agreement with the voice cast that allows The Simpsons to go on entertaining audiences with original episodes for many years to come.”

Contract negotiations between the show and the voice actors have turned tense on several occasions; in the late ’90s, the studio warned that it would replace the actors before a new deal was ultimately reached.